The Madlanga Commission Continues Its Public Hearings Amid Heightened Public Interest
South Africans have been closely following the ongoing public hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. As of June 2026, the proceedings remain active, with Day 121 unfolding in Pretoria and focusing on high-profile cases such as the Aeroton cocaine bust scandal. The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has become a focal point for discussions on accountability within law enforcement and the broader justice system.
Background and Establishment of the Inquiry
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of the commission in July 2025 following serious allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The inquiry was tasked with examining claims of collusion between senior police officials, politicians, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary with organised crime networks. Public hearings officially commenced on 17 September 2025 at the Brigitte Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria, marking the start of an extensive process expected to span many months.
The commission operates with the assistance of senior counsel including Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC. Its mandate covers a wide range of issues, from tender irregularities to alleged interference in criminal investigations and drug-related operations. An interim report was submitted to the President in December 2025, with recommendations that included referrals for criminal investigations and actions on employment status of implicated individuals.
Key Allegations Driving the Proceedings
Central to the inquiry are claims of systemic corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and related agencies. Early testimony from Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi highlighted alleged links between crime bosses and high-ranking officials, including instances of compromised drug busts and manipulated procurement processes. Subsequent witnesses have corroborated aspects of these claims, painting a picture of networks that allegedly undermine investigations into organised crime.
Particular attention has been given to cases involving cocaine trafficking and large-scale thefts from police storage facilities. The Aeroton incident, involving a significant drug consignment, has featured prominently in recent sessions, with questions raised about operational failures, storage security, and potential internal collusion.
Timeline of Public Hearings and Major Developments
The hearings have progressed steadily since their resumption in January 2026 after a brief recess. By early June, the commission had reached Day 110 and beyond, hearing from dozens of witnesses including suspended police officials, metro police executives, and experts in crime intelligence. Sessions have included both open testimony and in-camera proceedings for sensitive matters, with rulings on witness requests for privacy issued periodically.
Notable phases have included scrutiny of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), testimony from business figures linked to tenders, and examinations of the Hawks' handling of priority crimes. The process has led to the establishment of a dedicated SAPS task team to follow up on matters emerging from the inquiry, resulting in several arrests of senior officers and municipal officials.
Recent Testimony and Focus Areas in June 2026
On 18 June 2026, proceedings continued with emphasis on the Aeroton cocaine bust, examining operational details and potential lapses. The previous day featured Brigadier Campel Msizi Nyuswa, whose evidence touched on drug storage security and related incidents. Earlier in the month, Traffic Chief Mashaba provided insights into a major drug bust, while other sessions addressed failures in national policing structures and the handling of corruption allegations by oversight bodies such as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Witnesses have described intimidation tactics, procurement irregularities exceeding tens of millions of rand, and challenges in maintaining chain of custody for seized substances. These accounts have underscored the complexity of rooting out entrenched practices within parts of the criminal justice apparatus.
Arrests, Task Teams, and Immediate Outcomes
The commission has clarified that arrests remain the domain of SAPS rather than the inquiry itself. A dedicated task team within the police service has pursued leads from the hearings, leading to charges against individuals connected to irregular tenders and alleged criminal activities. In March 2026, for example, multiple senior officers faced arrest in connection with a substantial police tender. These actions demonstrate the practical ripple effects of the public process beyond the hearing room.
President Ramaphosa has welcomed the interim findings and accepted recommendations for further probes and personnel decisions. The approach reflects a commitment to allowing the commission to complete its work while enabling parallel law enforcement responses.
Implications for South Africa’s Criminal Justice System
The ongoing hearings have sparked national conversation about the integrity of policing and prosecution services. Revelations of alleged political interference and criminal infiltration raise concerns about public safety and the rule of law. At the same time, the transparent nature of the proceedings offers an opportunity for institutional reflection and reform.
Stakeholders including civil society organisations and legal experts have noted the value of exposing these issues publicly, even as some proceedings require closed sessions to protect witnesses or ongoing investigations. The process highlights the need for stronger internal controls, better whistleblower protections, and enhanced oversight mechanisms across the justice sector.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context
President Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the inquiry in restoring confidence in state institutions. SAPS leadership, including National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, has engaged with the process, with some testimony corroborating initial allegations. Opposition voices and advocacy groups have called for swift implementation of any recommendations that emerge in the final report.
Public interest remains high, evidenced by live broadcasts and widespread media coverage. The commission’s work intersects with wider efforts to combat organised crime, including drug trafficking networks that have been linked to violence in several provinces.
Photo by Delano Ramdas on Unsplash
Challenges Encountered During the Hearings
Like many complex inquiries, the Madlanga Commission has navigated technical issues, requests for in-camera testimony, and the balancing of transparency with witness safety. Cross-examinations have been rigorous, with evidence leaders guiding detailed questioning of implicated parties and experts alike.
Delays have occurred due to legal arguments and scheduling, yet the commission has maintained a consistent schedule, releasing periodic rulings and updates via its official channels. These operational aspects underscore the meticulous nature of judicial inquiries into systemic problems.
Future Outlook and Path Forward
As hearings continue into the latter half of 2026, attention will turn toward additional witnesses and the compilation of a comprehensive final report. Recommendations are expected to address structural reforms within SAPS, improvements to procurement processes, and measures to insulate the criminal justice system from undue influence.
The outcomes could influence policy discussions on police accountability and anti-corruption strategies at both national and provincial levels. Observers anticipate that sustained follow-through on the commission’s findings will be essential for meaningful change.
For the latest updates on proceedings, the official commission website provides schedules, rulings, and announcements. Additional reporting is available from SAnews and international outlets such as BBC News.
